Free Family Planning MCQs with Answers

50 Family Planning MCQs from Midwifery and Obstetric Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

Family planning covers fertility awareness, lactational amenorrhoea, condoms, oral pills, injectables, implants, intrauterine devices, emergency contraception, sterilisation and postpartum options. Questions address mechanisms, effectiveness, contraindications, adverse effects, counselling and follow-up, with careful distinction between contraception, emergency contraception and treatment for infertility.

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50 questions · page 2 of 3

  • A. Take one pill at the same time every day
  • B. Stop the pills during each monthly bleeding
  • C. Take two pills whenever intercourse is planned
  • D. Begin the pack only after the next ovulation

Explanation: Progestin-only pills should be taken consistently at about the same time each day because delayed doses can reduce contraceptive…

Correct answer: Take one pill at the same time every day
Fairly easy
  • A. Current pelvic inflammatory disease
  • B. History of uncomplicated vaginal birth
  • C. Mild menstrual cramps before insertion
  • D. Previous use of oral contraceptive pills

Explanation: An active pelvic infection should be treated before an intrauterine device is inserted because insertion may worsen or spread the…

Correct answer: Current pelvic inflammatory disease
  • A. Return to fertility may be delayed for several months
  • B. Fertility always returns within twenty-four hours
  • C. Permanent infertility usually follows the final injection
  • D. Ovulation returns only after a surgical reversal

Explanation: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate is reversible, but ovulation and fertility may take several months to return after the last injection.

Correct answer: Return to fertility may be delayed for several months
Fairly easy
  • A. Irregular bleeding can occur and does not usually mean failure
  • B. The implant must be removed because spotting proves infection
  • C. The woman should take extra implant rods to stop the bleeding
  • D. The bleeding confirms that ovulation is occurring every month

Explanation: Irregular spotting or bleeding is a common effect of progestin implants and does not usually indicate reduced contraceptive effectiveness.

Correct answer: Irregular bleeding can occur and does not usually mean failure
  • A. Use a new condom for every act of intercourse
  • B. Put the condom on after genital contact has begun
  • C. Reuse the condom if it has no visible tear
  • D. Apply oil-based lubricant to prevent breakage

Explanation: A new condom is needed for every act and should be put on before genital contact.

Correct answer: Use a new condom for every act of intercourse
  • A. It releases copper that impairs sperm and fertilisation
  • B. It suppresses ovulation by releasing daily oestrogen
  • C. It blocks the fallopian tubes through permanent scarring
  • D. It prevents pregnancy by treating a uterine infection

Explanation: Copper creates a local contraceptive effect that impairs sperm movement and function and reduces the likelihood of fertilisation.

Correct answer: It releases copper that impairs sperm and fertilisation
Hard
  • A. Confirm voluntary informed consent before the procedure
  • B. Tell her that sterilisation can be reversed whenever she wishes
  • C. Explain that the procedure protects against sexually transmitted infections
  • D. Schedule the procedure without further discussion because she has delivered

Explanation: Permanent contraception requires voluntary, informed consent, including discussion of permanence, alternatives, benefits, and risks.

Correct answer: Confirm voluntary informed consent before the procedure
Fairly easy
  • A. It does not provide continuing protection for later intercourse
  • B. It protects against every later act until the next period
  • C. It replaces regular contraception for the rest of the cycle
  • D. It prevents sexually transmitted infections during later intercourse

Explanation: Emergency contraception acts for the episode of intercourse that has already occurred and does not provide ongoing protection.

Correct answer: It does not provide continuing protection for later intercourse
  • A. A sustained rise of about 0.2 to 0.5°C
  • B. A sudden fall of about 1.0°C
  • C. A temperature that stays unchanged
  • D. A rise that lasts only one reading

Explanation: Progesterone released after ovulation causes a small sustained rise in basal temperature, usually about 0.2 to 0.5°C.

Correct answer: A sustained rise of about 0.2 to 0.5°C
Hard
  • A. Use additional contraception during treatment
  • B. Continue the pill without any extra precaution
  • C. Stop the antibiotic until the pill course ends
  • D. Take two combined pills every day during treatment

Explanation: Rifampicin can increase hepatic metabolism of combined oral contraceptive hormones and reduce contraceptive effectiveness.

Correct answer: Use additional contraception during treatment
  • A. They suppress ovulation and thicken cervical mucus
  • B. They destroy sperm after ejaculation in the vagina
  • C. They block implantation by causing uterine infection
  • D. They prevent the release of semen from the penis

Explanation: Combined pills contain oestrogen and progestin, which mainly suppress ovulation and also thicken cervical mucus.

Correct answer: They suppress ovulation and thicken cervical mucus
Hard
  • A. Bone mineral density may decrease during use
  • B. Permanent infertility usually follows the injections
  • C. Severe hypertension occurs in nearly every user
  • D. Protection against sexually transmitted infections increases

Explanation: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate may cause a reversible reduction in bone mineral density, so counselling should include lifestyle and…

Correct answer: Bone mineral density may decrease during use
  • A. Arrange pregnancy assessment and check for device displacement
  • B. Tell her that missing threads are always harmless
  • C. Advise her to push the device back into position
  • D. Recommend removing the device without an examination

Explanation: Absent threads with a missed period may indicate pregnancy, expulsion, perforation, or retracted threads.

Correct answer: Arrange pregnancy assessment and check for device displacement
  • A. Levonorgestrel emergency contraception
  • B. Combined pills continued for three months
  • C. A routine antibiotic course
  • D. A daily iron supplement alone

Explanation: Levonorgestrel emergency contraception is used as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse and is effective within the recommended…

Correct answer: Levonorgestrel emergency contraception
Moderate
  • A. Refer for assessment of the abnormal bleeding
  • B. Insert the implant and ignore the bleeding
  • C. Give an oestrogen dose without assessment
  • D. Advise permanent sterilisation immediately

Explanation: Unexplained vaginal bleeding should be assessed before implant insertion because important causes, including pregnancy or cervical and…

Correct answer: Refer for assessment of the abnormal bleeding
  • A. I understand that the method is intended to be permanent
  • B. I can have the tubes reopened whenever I choose
  • C. The procedure protects me from HIV infection
  • D. My periods will definitely stop after the procedure

Explanation: Tubal sterilisation is intended to provide permanent contraception, so the client must understand its permanence and available…

Correct answer: I understand that the method is intended to be permanent
Easy
  • A. Pregnancy is most likely around ovulation
  • B. Pregnancy is impossible during the first cycle day
  • C. Pregnancy cannot occur after intercourse before ovulation
  • D. Pregnancy is most likely only after the next menstruation

Explanation: Fertility is highest during the days surrounding ovulation because sperm may survive for several days and the ovum remains viable for a…

Correct answer: Pregnancy is most likely around ovulation
  • A. Discuss her informed choice and method timing before discharge
  • B. Select a method without asking about her preference
  • C. Delay all contraception until menstruation returns
  • D. Advise that breastfeeding prevents pregnancy for one year

Explanation: Postpartum counselling should respect informed choice and consider breastfeeding, medical eligibility, timing, and the woman's…

Correct answer: Discuss her informed choice and method timing before discharge
  • A. Male condoms
  • B. Combined oral pills
  • C. Contraceptive implant
  • D. Calendar method

Explanation: The contraceptive implant is a long-acting reversible method with very high effectiveness because it does not depend on daily or…

Correct answer: Contraceptive implant
Hard
  • A. Advise her to rest with the leg elevated
  • B. Tell her to take the next pill with food
  • C. Arrange urgent medical assessment for possible thrombosis
  • D. Reassure her that mild leg discomfort is expected

Explanation: Unilateral calf pain and swelling may indicate deep vein thrombosis, a serious complication associated with combined hormonal…

Correct answer: Arrange urgent medical assessment for possible thrombosis